The Institute of Human Virology (IHVN) is a leading and reputable non-governmental organization addressing infectious and non-infectious diseases such as HIV, tuberculosis and cancer through the provision of prevention, diagnosis, treatment, capacity building, research, and care and support services. IHVN is in partnership with local and international organizations and the different tiers of the government of Nigeria at national, state and local levels. The Institute’s vision is to be a leader in providing quality health services, capacity building and research in West Africa and beyond.
The Action to Control HIV Epidemic through Evidence (ACHIEVE) funded by the US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) through Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is a 5- year project currently implemented in FCT, Nasarawa, Katsina and Rivers States. Implementation is targeted at achieving epidemic control thereby reducing transmission and improving the quality of life of those living with HIV.
The Surveillance unit of the department of Strategic Information is responsible for implementing HIV/AIDS surveillance activities and surveys in IHVN-supported States. The unit is also responsible for engaging relevant stakeholders to collaborate on strengthening surveillance activities and to promote the use of data collected through surveillance activities for improved patient management and public health response.
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Job Title: |
Program Officer Surveillance |
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Department: |
Strategic Information |
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Job Location: |
Central Office – Abuja |
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Reports to: |
Surveillance Lead |
Opening Date: 7th January 2022
Closing Date: 21st January 2022
Job Summary:
The Program Officer, HIV Epidemiology and Surveillance will provide technical support for the implementation of HIV/AIDS surveillance activities and surveys in IHVN-supported States. The Program Officer will collaborate with Stakeholders, including Federal/State Ministries of Health, funders, and relevant implementing partners to strengthen the national HIV/AIDS case-based surveillance, recency surveillance and mortality surveillance initiatives. The Program Officer will provide support for epidemiological data collection, analysis, and use for monitoring the trends of HIV sentinel events among people living with HIV. The Program Officer will provide technical assistance to site and above-site level personnel to ensure surveillance data are used for improving the quality of patient management and public health response.
Job responsibilities
- Performs HIV/AIDS surveillance data analyses and monitors surveillance data for change in epidemiological trends.
- Participates in planning and conducting outbreak and other epidemiologic investigations by assisting with the onsite review of facilities and procedures; interviewing patients, health care providers, and others involved; and assisting in collecting data from local agencies or other health entities.
- Participates in rapid/emergency response to suspected/confirmed outbreaks as needed.
- Assists in preparing reports from analyses of surveillance data, literature reviews, and other information using behavioural science, demographic and epidemiologic analytic techniques, and evaluation.
- Perform data quality assurance activities; undertake periodic field supervision visits to assess and evaluate the implementation of surveillance activities, identify gaps and recommend corrective actions based on key performance indicators.
- Participates in writing grants and other funding proposals.
- Analyses, systematizes, and disseminate scientific and evidence-based technical information and knowledge.
- Participate in capacity building initiatives for surveillance data use
Job requirements
Education
- Master’s degree in Public Health, Epidemiology, or Biostatistics is essential.
- Medicine, Pharmacy, Statistics or related medical degree is desirable.
Experience
- Minimum of 4 years’ experience in disease surveillance especially in HIV/AIDs program.
Knowledge/Skills
- Applied knowledge of principles and practices of epidemiology.
- Knowledge of HIV/AIDS surveillance initiatives in Nigeria
- Research methods, procedures, and techniques used in identifying and evaluating disease characteristics.
- Contemporary medical methods and practices used in the control of a variety of diseases.
- Principles and practices applicable to the surveillance and investigation of communicable diseases.
- Public health surveillance, computerized database management, data analysis, program evaluation, literature search, effective verbal, written communication, and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to read, write, and communicate clearly
- Proficiency in the use of basic computer program such as Microsoft Excel and Word, Google doc and analytic software such as STATA, R and SPSS.
- Ability to write simple reports; to write technical and non-technical information material.
- Ability to follow oral or written instructions; and to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
- Interpersonal relations, as applied to contacts with representatives of governmental agencies and other implementing partners
Method of Application
Interested and qualified candidates should send a detailed resume and a one-page cover letter as one MS Word document explaining suitability for the position to Deputy Director, Human Resources through this email address: [email protected]
Application must explicitly state the position applied for in the subject of the email. Candidates are advised to provide three professional referees with email addresses and phone numbers. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.